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Trip from Norfolk, VA to Henry Fork, VA

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 32m

Distance

241.5 mi

389 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$38

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 19m ★
6 AM
5h 32m
8 AM
5h 59m
10 AM
5h 42m
12 PM
5h 39m
3 PM
5h 43m
5 PM
5h 58m
8 PM
5h 24m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Norfolk, VA, VA

Norfolk, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Henry Fork, VA, VA

Henry Fork, VA

Tara Winstead

Trip Overview

This 241.5-mile journey from Norfolk, VA to Henry Fork, VA is a straightforward trip that can comfortably be completed in a single day, taking approximately 5 hours and 32 minutes. You'll primarily navigate through the Southeast region of Virginia, sticking to roads like Portsmouth Boulevard, Highway 58, and Governor Harrison Parkway. With a projected fuel cost of around $38, this route offers a budget-friendly option for a day trip. The drive is a mixed bag, suggesting you'll experience varied road conditions rather than a constant interstate cruise. Consider this a manageable one-day adventure with minimal planning needed.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

120.8 miles from Norfolk, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 44m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Portsmouth Boulevard 62.1 mi 1h 21m
Highway 58 40.4 mi 51m
Governor Harrison Parkway 22.5 mi 30m
Halifax Road 16.3 mi 22m
West Gretna Road 13.7 mi 18m
Old Franklin Turnpike 13.3 mi 18m
Chatham Road 12.9 mi 19m
US 29 9.8 mi 11m
Longest stretch: Portsmouth Boulevard — 62.1 mi, about 1h 21m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Norfolk, VA and Henry Fork, VA.

1

Start on East City Hall Avenue

122 ft · 2 sec · East City Hall Avenue
2

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Toward US 460 West, I 264 Toll West, I 464: Portsmouth
3

Merge onto I 264; US 460 ALT; VA 337

7.4 mi · 11 min · I 264; US 460 ALT; VA 337
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4

Keep slight right at fork

0.6 mi · 47 sec
Toward I 664: Bowers Hill, Suffolk, Richmond Use the slight right lane.
5

Merge onto I 664

0.4 mi · 31 sec · Hampton Roads Beltway
6

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 54 sec
Exit 13A-B Toward US 13, US 58, US 460, VA 191 North: Suffolk, Military Highway Use the slight right lane.
7

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
8

Continue on US 13; US 58; US 460

2.4 mi · 3 min · West Military Highway
9

Continue on US 13; US 58; US 460

62 mi · 1 hr 21 min · Portsmouth Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
10

Continue on US 58

5.2 mi · 7 min · Courtland Road
11

Continue on US 58

6.3 mi · 8 min · Pleasant Shade Drive
12

Continue on US 58

23 mi · 30 min · Governor Harrison Parkway
13

Continue on US 58

1.2 mi · 2 min · Piney Pond Road
14

Continue on US 58

3.5 mi · 5 min · Highway 58
15

Continue on US 58

1.1 mi · 1 min · East Atlantic Street
16

Continue on US 58

3.5 mi · 4 min · South Hill Bypass
17

Continue on US 1; US 58

3.2 mi · 4 min · Highway 1
18

Continue on US 58

19 mi · 24 min · Highway 58
19

Turn straight onto US 58

4.0 mi · 5 min · Clarksville Bypass
Toward US 58 West, US 15 South, VA 49 South: South Boston, Danville Use the straight lane.
20

Continue on US 58; VA 49

18 mi · 22 min · Highway 58
21

Turn right onto US 360

1.1 mi · 2 min · John Randolph Boulevard
22

Turn left onto VA 34

0.6 mi · 1 min · Hodges Street
23

At end of road, turn right onto VA 129

1.8 mi · 3 min · North Main Street
24

Continue on VA 129

0.9 mi · 1 min · Old Halifax Road
25

Take the ramp

266 ft · 7 sec
26

Merge onto US 501

1.9 mi · 3 min · Halifax Road
27

Continue on US 501

0.4 mi · 1 min · South Main Street
28

Turn left onto VA 360

3.5 mi · 5 min · Mountain Road
29

Turn right onto VA 57

13 mi · 19 min · Chatham Road
30

Continue on VA 57

14 mi · 19 min · Halifax Road
31

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 22 sec
Toward US 29 North
32

Merge onto US 29

8.0 mi · 9 min · US 29
33

Keep slight left at fork onto US 29

1.8 mi · 2 min · US 29
Toward US 29 North
34

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 39 sec
Toward VA 40
35

Turn left onto VA 40

14 mi · 18 min · West Gretna Road
36

Continue on VA 40

13 mi · 18 min · Old Franklin Turnpike
37

Turn left onto SR 705

3.4 mi · 6 min · Chestnut Hill Road
38

Continue on SR 674

0.3 mi · 32 sec · Doe Run Road
39

Keep slight left at fork onto SR 674

1.5 mi · 2 min · Doe Run Road
40

Turn left onto Bowles Drive

129 ft · 5 sec · Bowles Drive
41

Arrive at destination

Bowles Drive

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour and 32-minute duration, departing in the morning is your best bet to maximize daylight and avoid arriving too late. You'll have one stop on this 241.5-mile route, so plan your break strategically. With a fuel cost estimated at $38, keeping an eye on your fuel gauge is prudent, especially during the longest stretch of 62.1 miles on Portsmouth Boulevard. Since this is a single-day trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your timing, but aim to start early to enjoy the drive without feeling rushed.

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 120.8 miles from Norfolk, VA, or about 2h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 62.1 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 53 miles or 1h 12m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 120.8 miles or 2h 44m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 31m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Henry Fork, VA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Norfolk, VA so your first major turns are already loaded.

+

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

+

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Norfolk, VA

This is one driving day of about 241.5 miles and 5h 32m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 miles from Norfolk, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Portsmouth Boulevard for about 62.1 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in Vance County, North Carolina, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Henderson, NC

121 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Waverly, VA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 53 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Lawrenceville, VA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 120.8 miles from Norfolk, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Portsmouth Boulevard if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 62.1 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 20

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 139.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in

Take the ramp toward US 460 West, I 264 Toll West, I 464: Portsmouth

Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 460 West, I 264 Toll West, I 464: Por...
5
0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | I 264; US 460 ALT; VA 337

Merge onto I 264; US 460 ALT; VA 337

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
7.6 mi into trip | ~11m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 664: Bowers Hill, Suffolk, Richmond

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 664: Bowers Hill, Suffolk, Richmond
8
8.7 mi into trip | ~13m in

Take the exit toward US 13, US 58, US 460, VA 191 North: Suffolk, Military Highway

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 13A-B Toward US 13, US 58, US 460, VA 191 North: Suff...
5
139.5 mi into trip | ~3h 8m in | US 58 / Clarksville Bypass

Turn straight onto US 58 / Clarksville Bypass toward US 58 West, US 15 South, VA 49 South: South Boston, Danville

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight lane. Toward US 58 West, US 15 South, VA 49 South: So...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$37.77 one way

$75.53 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 85 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $41.29 $82.59
premium $4.70 $44.70 $89.39
diesel $5.61 $53.32 $106.64

Estimated Tolls: $0.93

Old Franklin Turnpike (13.3 mi) $0.93

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$38

Tolls

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$64–$89

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 84.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 72.5 0 $25.36 $11.59
Efficient EV 60.4 0 $21.13 $9.66
EV Truck/SUV 96.6 1 $33.81 $15.46

Gas CO2

84 kg

EV CO2

28 kg (67% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 20, 2026

Origin

Norfolk, VA

Late night in Norfolk on Tuesday

Local time

5:09 AM

EDT

Current temp

72°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Henry Fork, VA

Late night in Henry Fork on Tuesday

Local time

5:09 AM

EDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

74°F

Henderson, NC

121 mi in

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

20 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

5h 32m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a mixed driving experience on this 241.5-mile route, with about 40% of it being highway. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 62.1 miles on Portsmouth Boulevard, so be prepared for extended periods on this particular roadway. As you progress, the character of the drive will likely change, transitioning between faster-paced highway sections and potentially more local or town-influenced roads. This blend means you'll need to adjust your driving style and awareness throughout the 5-hour and 32-minute journey.

40% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
41 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 62.1 mi on Portsmouth Boulevard.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 241.5 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 0.2 miles (I 264; US 460 ALT; VA 337): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

On the drive from Norfolk, VA to Henry Fork, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Danville along the way.

Danville

139.5 mi in | ~3h 8m | via US 58

About the Cities

Starting in Norfolk, VA

Full guide →

Norfolk is in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. It is a port city with a large Navy and shipping presence. But it is also known as a major cultural center, with world-class museums, opera, symphony, ballet and a vibrant arts community. The downtown area has experienced a major resurgence, with gourmet restaurants, shopping and attractions. Norfolk is one of the top cruise ports in the country.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 32m. Total distance: 241.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 62.1 miles on Portsmouth Boulevard. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $0.93 in tolls one way, starting with Old Franklin Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Henry Fork, VA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: near the start: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 0.2 miles (I 264; US 460 ALT; VA 337): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 11.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Henry Fork, VA before the return drive.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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